I would like for my 3-year-old daughter to learn how to swim. She’s always been a “fish” in the water; but for safety’s sake, I think it’s time for her to learn simple swim techniques. What should I look for in a class and in an instructor?
Dear Parent,
You are very fortunate. Although three is on the younger side, since your daughter “loves” the water, this bodes well for her learning to swim this year and, more importantly for you, for her to become more self-aware and pool-safe around water. If afraid of the water, I would have recommended waiting another year to start individual lessons when she has matured and become stronger both physically and mentally.
For her age and skill level, I would recommend the smallest class size available - private lessons if possible. The smaller the class the size the better they will be able to meet her specific needs and personality. I can not stress enough that, even though she is a “fish”, she is only three and is probably just getting used to following directions from other authority figures. It is possible, but not as probable, that she may find success in a group lesson situation.
Most swim programs at community pools or private swim centers offer three kinds of lessons including: group (3+ students), semi-private (2 students) and private (one-on-one). If you are fortunate to have a pool in your backyard, there are free-lance instructors (like myself) who will travel to your home. This can be very convenient for you and practical for your child who will learn to navigate in your pool.
As far as what to look for in a program and instructor, seek out recommendations from friends and relatives. Always check references and interview! Ask questions about their teaching philosophy, approach to working with a resistant child, their make-up policy, what kind of lesson program they think would best suit your daughter, and instructor certifications and experience.
In addition, to be pro-active, you may want to purchase a swim lesson preparation book such as “Luca Learns to Swim”. This will help you introduce swim lessons to your daughter and possibly to start a dialogue about any questions or anxieties she may be having. There are no guarantees when it comes to children learning to swim, but taking a pro-active approach on your end will make you feel good about your swim program choice and increase the likelihood of your daughter’s success. Remember, all children learn at different rates; anticipating that this is a long-term experience will give your daughter the opportunity to gain the skills and confidence in water that she will rely on the rest of her life.
Happy Swimming!
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